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Israeli Plaintiffs Sue UNRWA for $1 Billion Over October 7 Hamas Funding

Jun 24, 2024, 01:43 PM

Over 100 Israeli plaintiffs, including survivors and families of the October 7 Hamas massacre victims, have filed a landmark lawsuit against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that UNRWA led a billion-dollar money laundering operation that funded Hamas, facilitated the construction of Hamas command and control centers, and prevented humanitarian aid into Gaza. The plaintiffs claim that UNRWA's actions directly contributed to the attacks on October 7, and they are seeking $1 billion in damages. The suit also highlights the reinstatement of a Hamas official who leads UNRWA's Lebanese teachers union and oversees 39,000 students in 65 schools. Among the plaintiffs are freed hostages and relatives of the Kedem family members murdered on October 7.